SUPPORT YN’S: Young & Notorious - THE MOVIE

We’re raising funds to bring our independent feature film, YN’s (Young & Notorious), to life, a raw, poetic, and deeply spiritual story that confronts the realities of street life, brotherhood, and the unseen war between light and darkness. This is not your typical crime film. YN’s weaves gritty urban realism with haunting metaphysical layers, following a group of young men in South Central Los Angeles as they chase a way out of poverty only to find themselves hunted, broken, and haunted by the choices they make.

At the center of this story is a character named Malcolm, a brilliant, sensitive, and often-overlooked member of the crew, who is tragically killed in the rise of the gang’s criminal path. But death isn’t the end for him it’s the beginning. Malcolm becomes a spirit, narrating the film from the afterlife under the name Mal Casso. As he walks the line between angel and demon, his voiceovers guide the audience through a spiritual mirror of the world the boys live in one filled with ancestral presence, inner conflict, and unseen forces. He watches over his brothers, tries to steer them, and unknowingly becomes a vessel of vengeance as a dark entity named Samael pushes him deeper into his own rage.

The crew is led by Xavier Busch (X), a young man caught between leadership and desperation, doing what he must to provide and protect especially for Ace, his 16-year-old little brother who’s slowly being dragged into the life. Alongside them are J.R., sharp and emotionally conflicted, and D-Lo, the muscle with a heart, who acts like a big brother to Ace when X is slipping. These characters are complex, flawed, and deeply human drawn into a series of heists and confrontations that spiral toward an explosive end.

And while the streets may be loud, the spirit world speaks too. X’s deceased grandmother, a former church mother, appears throughout the film as an angelic figure praying over the boys, warning them in visions, and battling for their souls in silence. Her presence adds a layer of generational memory, cultural faith, and divine resistance to the film.

Why do we care about making YN’s? Because these stories matter. Because too many films exploit the pain of Black and Brown communities without offering truth, nuance, or soul. This film doesn’t glorify the streets it mourns them, questions them, and exposes them as systems of survival where young men become statistics, martyrs, or myths. I care deeply because I’ve lived parts of this story, lost people to it, and now I’m using my voice as a filmmaker to honor them.

My name is Roman Armstrong, and I’m a writer-director, editor, and creator dedicated to telling stories that are both grounded and transcendent. I believe art can reveal what society hides. I believe in storytelling that doesn’t just entertain but leaves something behind in the viewer a question, a feeling, a shift. I’ve spent years developing this project, pulling from real conversations, lost friends, childhood memories, and spiritual truths. This film is not just about what happens on screen it’s about healing what we carry off screen.

We plan to execute YN’s through an efficient and focused production model. We've broken the film into phases, built a committed cast and crew, and designed a story that maximizes emotion over expensive spectacle. The funds raised will go directly toward securing key locations in LA, safe and legal stunt coordination, authentic costume and production design, and quality post-production work especially for sound design and our haunting spiritual sequences. We also intend to pay our young, predominantly Black and Brown cast and crew fairly, giving opportunities to voices that rarely get access to the big screen.

This is more than a film. YN’s is a cinematic prayer. A ghost story about the living. A warning and a love letter. With your help, we can turn this into a powerful, unforgettable experience one that resonates far beyond the screen. We invite you to be part of the legacy. Let’s make history. Let’s make YN’s.

Meet the Director: Roman Leren Armstrong

Born and raised in Alexandria, Louisiana, Roman Leren Armstrong brings an authentic voice to the screen, one shaped by the streets that raised him and the stories that surrounded him. His filmmaking journey began at just seven years old, watching his father produce a local talk show. By fourteen, Roman had already written, directed, and produced his first short film, On Our Own—a raw glimpse into youth survival that hinted at the deeper, more complex narratives he would go on to explore.

Unlike many filmmakers, Roman doesn't just observe the world he writes about, he’s lived it. That’s what makes his vision for YN's so powerful. It’s a story about young men trying to navigate survival, loyalty, and consequence, told by a young man who grew up understanding those stakes firsthand.

From elementary school passion projects to his breakout film I’m Starving, Roman’s early work captured the attention of industry professionals and earned him a nomination at the All-American High School Film Festival. He soon traded the football field and D1 scholarship offers for film sets, choosing to study digital filmmaking at Loyola University. But his real education came from experience: by nineteen, Roman became one of the youngest assistant directors in the world, racking up 10,000 hours on major film and TV productions including Emancipation, Queen & Slim, Swagger, Looking for Alaska, Queen Sugar, Roots, and more.

With YN's, Roman returns to his roots, telling a story of young, Black masculinity, temptation, and consequence through a lens that’s both cinematic and personal. His perspective isn’t manufactured; it’s lived. That’s what separates him from the rest.

Through his company, Armstrong ART, Roman has made it his mission to tell stories that matter, stories that reflect the truth, challenge stereotypes, and uplift the culture. His long-term vision spans original series, films, and documentaries, all designed to resonate across generations and make a lasting impact.

YN's is more than a film. It’s a voice from Louisiana, speaking on behalf of those whose stories often go unheard, crafted by someone who never forgot where he came from.

PROJECTED CAST

Each actor cast in YN’s was strategically selected to elevate both the artistic quality and marketability of the film. The lead role of X is played by a fast-rising talent with a proven ability to deliver nuanced, emotionally complex performances bringing star potential and critical appeal.

J.R., the magnetic and unpredictable friend, is portrayed by an actor with strong on-screen presence and natural charisma, ideal for audience engagement and viral moments. D-Lo, the volatile rookie, is played by a breakout performer whose raw authenticity connects with younger demographics, while the role of Ace, his 16-year-old brother, is filled by a gifted young actor poised for discovery, offering the film a strong emotional anchor.

Each casting decision was made not only to reflect the cultural truth and energy of the story but to maximize visibility across film festivals, streaming platforms, and social media. Together, this ensemble brings credibility, chemistry, and breakout potential, positioning YN’s for critical acclaim and strong audience traction.

THE BUDGET

Kickstarter will take a percentage of the $300,000k and gifts for our supporters. The remaining budget of $250,000 is carefully allocated to ensure every phase of the project receives the attention and resources necessary for success. A portion is dedicated to pre-production activities such as refining the script, casting, scouting locations, and handling legal permits. This planning stage is essential to avoid delays and secure the best talent and settings, laying a strong foundation for the entire production.

The largest portion of the budget goes toward production itself, covering salaries for the cast and crew, equipment rentals including cameras and lighting, as well as location fees, set design, wardrobe, and makeup. Investing in experienced professionals and high-quality equipment is vital for capturing compelling footage that will resonate with audiences and stand out in the market. After filming, a significant part of the budget is reserved for post-production, where the film is shaped through editing, color grading, sound design, music scoring or licensing, and any necessary visual effects. This phase transforms raw footage into a polished final product that can compete in festivals and attract distributors.

Additionally, funds are allocated for marketing and distribution efforts, which include submitting to festivals, creating promotional materials like trailers and posters, and engaging marketing consultants or publicists. These activities are crucial for building visibility and generating buzz to maximize the film’s reach and commercial potential. Finally, a contingency reserve is maintained to cover unforeseen expenses such as additional shooting, insurance, or travel costs. This safety net ensures that the project can adapt to unexpected challenges without sacrificing quality or momentum. Together, these carefully planned investments maximize the potential for a high-quality, market-ready film that honors both artistic vision and financial responsibility.